Rebecca’s Disappearance

Rebecca Shaw’s disappearance symbolizes fear and uncertainty. Rebecca Shaw is never found, and the reason for her disappearance is never discovered. This creates some tension and uncertainty in the town, but the residents move on with their lives, as people must do in the face of all forms of uncertainty in life.

The Cooper Twins

The Cooper twins symbolize family and responsibility. Austin and Su are happy to finally have children, but parenthood brings various challenges and struggles. Austin, for example, never quite sheds the anxiety that he may not be capable of being an adequate father. Su, meanwhile, struggles to balance work and family.

Richard Clark’s Mother

Richard Clark’s mother symbolizes family worries and obligations. Richard Clark leads a generally unrooted lifestyle, as he is a businessman who spends much of his time traveling. However, he often must return to...